The Grenada gazette., 1887-06-11

oH'CHt' cCuOcu NICicl. Il won u
ask it. ! shan,t even consult them"
Two days later, when John Easton
called to see his bctrothed, he found
her standing under a shed in the farm
yard, looking with admiring eyes at
light wagon. with a strong canvas top.
The expression Of sorrow which her
fathers sudden death had brought to
her face was there still, but she no
longer appeared hopeless and de-
pressed.
"Look at that, john" she said. point
ing to the wagon. ut came home an
hour ago, and have been looking at
1t ever since.''
''ls it new purchase, Rachel? and
what does it mean?'
'lt is our old wagon repaired and
recovered. John, and it means that l
am to be woman of business"
what are you going to do, dear?"
and John looked puzzled.
"Im-now don't be shockcd-T m
going to be peddler, and travel all
over Oswego and Dade counties with
household utensils"
Rachel! you're not serious?"
II was never more so, John. have
thought the matter over very carefully,
and feel sure can make good living
in this way. The sale of the hogs,
cows, hens and furniture will give me
enough money to buy all the stock l
need. and l can soon build up a trade.
You know have clever tongue,
John"
"Yes. know that, dear"
ut will be of great value to me in
this business. and can depend on it.
There's no danger Of it giving out
You won't be ashamed of me, John?"
"Rachel!' and John put both arms
about her. "Ill be prouder than ever
of you, darling"
Il suppose every one in the neigh
borhood will be dreadfully shocked,
John; your mother and sisters, espc-
cially. You must make up your mind
to hearing me called unwomanly, &C.
centric and foolish. But it can't be
helped. There is nothing else can do
to earn living, and know I'll make
a good peddler."
A week later, and she was on the
road. She enjoyed the life from the
start. The novelty of it was delight
full, and the fresh air and quiet were
good for her nerves. Her "clever
tongue" won her friends as well as GUS
toners; she was soon known far and
wide, and many bought OF her simply
because they admired her pluck and
energy. She was welcomed in many a
home whore man-peddler would have
been coldly treated, and she never ex-
pelienced any difficulty in finding
lodging for herself and Whitefoot. the
faithful horse.
Of course, as she had expected, her
strange undertaking furnished food for
all sorts of gossip, and her cousin Bar
rows retailed to Miss Ann with pccu-
liar zest all she heard to the girls
prejudice, and thought it we'll res
ceived, until one day Miss Ann aston
ished her by remarking that folks had
better keep their tongues between
their teeth, for Rachel had shown good
grit, for all she was so sickly.'
But Rachels poor health soon be-
came only memory. Living in he
fresh air, constant change and variety,
and the consciousness that she was
success of her enterprise
worked wonders. Six months after
she had begun her career as peddler
she was so rosy, blooming and plump,
that when she stopped her wagon one
cold November day before Miss AIMS
gate, and asked if she might run in
for Il warm" her cousin did not recog-
nizc her.
"No wonder you don't know me,
Cousin Ann" Rachel said. laughingly.
II weigh thirty pounds more than I
did six months ago, and am brown as
an Indian. know you didn't approve
of my being peddler; but see what
it has done for me"
"Just at first I was a little shocked" "
answered Miss Ann. "But I was glad
you had so much grit. You've done
we'll, suppose?'
MADE money! Yes, actually have
a bank account. As soon as l have
saved up enough will buy farm"
Then you and John Easton will get
married, expect
"Ycs; Johns sister, Hannah. thinks
she could manage the farm great
deal better than John, and I'd like to
give her the chance to try"
Farms amt had for nothing" re-
marked Miss Ann. "It'll be u good
many years before you can buy
good one, save as YOU may"
John and are young, and can af-